Parents reject FAMU's $300K to settle hazing death suit

Nov. 8, 2012
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Pamela and Robert Champion Sr. listen Oct. 22 as Brian Jones apologizes to them during sentencing for his role in the hazing death of their son, Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion. Jones received two years of probation and six months of community control, which strictly limits his freedom with measures including an ankle monitor and frequent check-ins with probation officials. / Red Huber, AP

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

The parents of the Florida A&M University drum major who died after being hazed a year ago have rejected the school's $300,000 offer to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The attorney for Pamela and Robert Champion Sr. said they were "insulted" by the offer, which was the maximum the university could offer without special approval from the state Legislature.

The Champions remain "concerned that FAMU is not taking this as seriously as it should," attorney Christopher Chestnut told the paper.

Their 26-year-old son, Robert, died Nov. 19, 2011, after being beaten during a hazing ritual aboard a charter bus parked outside an Orlando hotel. The famed FAMU Marching 100 band was in town to perform at the annual Florida Classic football game.

Eleven former band members are awaiting trial for their alleged roles in Champion's hazing. Last month, a 12th was sentenced to six months of supervised community control and two years' probation after pleading no contest to his involvement.

In September, the university said Champion's "imprudent, avoidable" actions, and not the university, were responsible for his death.

A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28 in the lawsuit against the university, the bus company and its driver.